Nappy Locs Tool

ABSTRACT

The Nappy Locs Tool with a pinched end ( 14 ) for holding sections of hair. The hair section is threaded through the bulb ( 13 ) and pulled upward into the pinch ( 14 )of the needle. This device secures hair while sewing hair in looping patterns in the formation of the hairstyle dreadlocks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/430,405, filed Dec. 3, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to devices for the hairstyling industry.This invention is used to form dreadlocks in connection with mypublication “Making Dreadlocks Using a Tool—the Nappylocs Approach.”

[0003] The term dreadlock refers to a group of hairs extending from abraid sized part on the scalp which have entangled and/or mattedtogether. The term dreadlocks refer to a hair style that comprises atleast one dreadlock and usually more than one. The size of thedreadlocks or locks depends on the number of hairs entangled and/ormatted amongst one another. The density of the locks, depends on howtightly the individual hair shafts are packed.

[0004] Dreadlocks are created by two general methods. The first methodinvolves no styling, sectioning, or manipulation of the hair. The hairis left to tangle or matt on it's own. The resulting hairstyle may yieldone large lock or several locks of different size producing a nonuniform appearance.

[0005] The second method involves sectioning the individual's naturalhair and twisting or braiding the sections. These sections are allowedto matt or tangle. This results in locks of uniform size and is referredto as having a groomed appearance.

[0006] As the hair grows it becomes loose at the scalp. Individualsusing the second method have the options of twisting or looping newgrowth. Pencils, rug latch hooks, and crochet needles are used to loopthe hair due to the lack of availability of dreadlock styling devices.Pencils, rug latch hooks U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,603, and crochet needleU.S. Pat. No. D420, 214 were not designed to style hair.

[0007] Use of the pencil, rug latch hook, and crochet often leads tohair breakage, stray hairs, and frizzy weak locks. These tools alsoproduce uneven loop tension resulting in lumpy locks, damaged dreadlockends, and hairs painfully pulled from the scalp.

[0008] The pencil FIG. 5 is used like a spear to shove or stab the lockwhile looping. The pointed end 16 places unwanted holes in the lockwhich form weak spots. When individuals use the eraser end 20, the lockhairs are weakened from the constant abrasion. The pencil FIG. 5 alsohas rough metallic encasement 18 and uneven exposed wood 22 which sawsthe lock strands. Hair looping close to the scalp is difficult resultingin an unfinished appearance.

[0009]FIG. 7 the crochet needle U.S. Pat. No. D420, 214 does not holdthe hair sections while looping allowing the hair to slip out of itshooked end 24. It is also awkward to use as it requires basic knowledgeof knitting and/or crochet techniques. The size range limits its abilityto loop different sized locks since its intended purpose is to be usedwith yam. Close to the scalp looping is difficult to achieve due to thecrochet hook's bulky width. This results in hairs pulled out of thescalp.

[0010]FIG. 6 rug latch hook U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,603 has a latch 26 whichgrasps the lock and pulls it through the loop from the opposite side.The latch 26 portion of the tool is not a controlled mechanism andrelies on gravity in assisting it to close. When one uses this tool, thelatch 26 closes prematurely grasping only a portion of the lock hairs.This results in pain to the individual as it shreds and a breaks thematted hairs when looping. The hook 28 and latch 26 frequently grasphairs from adjoining locks resulting in unwanted combined locks andpain. This forms inconsistent loop tension and packs loops too tight.The resulting lock is often lumpy in appearance. The rug latch hook FIG.6 is designed for yarn and is limited in its ability to style thevarious sizes of dreadlocks.

[0011] Accordingly there is a need for a tool designed specifically tostyle dreadlocks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] The Nappy Locs Tool comprises a tail which allows for thepenetration of hair section, a bulb, and a pinch which holds hairsecurely while the hair is looped.

[0013] The tail of the tool is smooth, round and thin. This allows easyinsertion of the tool without sawing, shredding, and breakage of thelock strands. The tail can also be used to manipulate loop size andplacement as it gently pushes the loops into their correct position.This results in a smooth stable lock able to hold its weight throughoutits life cycle.

[0014] The round smooth pinch holds the lock securely while looping anddoes not damage the ends or grasp hairs from neighboring locks.

[0015] The Nappy Locs Tool smooth thin design allows for looping closeto the scalp without pain resulting from pulling out of hair follicles.The device also reduces the appearance of frizzy locks by incorporatingstray hairs into the lock. The thin smooth design penetrates dreadlockseasier making its simple hand sewing operation faster to use.

[0016] The size variation of the invention accommodates numerousdreadlock sizes. The invention may be used straight, the tail hooked orthe entire tool curved in the shape of a semicircle for ease of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017]FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C are perspective views of the hair sewing needleaccording to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective environmental view if the hair sewingneedle illustrating its use with a section of hair.

[0019]FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C are perspective views of an additionalembodiment.

[0020]FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C are perspective views of an additionalembodiment.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pencil

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rug latch hook

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a crochet needle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] This Nappy Locs Tool is directed to the hair styling applicationsof creating and tightening dreadlocks. A preferred embodiment of thehair looping needle is illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C perspectiveviews. As best seen in FIG. 1A, the Nappy Locs Tool comprises a smoothround shaft 10 having first and second ends 12 and 14. Each of the ends12 and 14 define a round tail point 12 a and a round tip 14 a.

[0025] The shaft 10 further comprises a bulb or otherwise hollow expanse13 located nearest the second end 14.

[0026] The pinch 14 is the second end of the needle with an opening thatis reduced in width when compared to the bulb. Its terminal end has arounded tip.

[0027] The needle FIG. 1 is constructed using approximately 2 inches of18 ga sterling round wire. The wire is formed around a ⅜ inch mandrelcreating a circle and a tail approximate 1 inch long. The circle issoldered closed. Next the circle end closest to the tail is pinchedaround a {fraction (2/8)} inch mandrel creating two openings the bulband the pinch. The pinch opening is adjusted to approximately ⅛ inchopening.

OPERATION OF INVENTION

[0028] To tighten a dreadlock FIG. 2 thread the hair through the bulb13. Then gently slide the lock end into the pinch 14. Insert the tail 12into the new growth. Pierce the base of the lock with the tail at thenorth point. Slide the tail 12 up to the matted end of the lock. Pullthe tail completely through the lock. Continue to loop the lock asdescribed perpendicular to the previous insertion points, until new hairgrowth is tighten to the scalp.

[0029] To start a lock from scratch, slide the hair section into thepinch as described above. Pierce the hair section using the tail asclose as possible to the tool. Pull the tool completely through the hairsection. Next pierce the hair section at an angle perpendicular orcrossing the first piercing. Pull the tool completely through. Completethis cross looping until hair section is completely looped close to thescalp.

[0030]FIG. 3 and 4 Additional Embodiments

[0031] Additional embodiments in FIG. 3 and 4 show perspective views.FIG. 3 displays the Nappy Locs Tool with a shaft curved to form asemicircle. FIG. 4 displays the needle with the tail tip 12 a flexed ata 90-degree angle. Additional Embodiments in FIG. 3 and 4 operateidentically to the preferred embodiment.

[0032] Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope

[0033] Thus the reader will see the Nappy Locs hair Tool has featuresspecifically designed for sewing the hair style dreadlocks. Thesefeatures result in ease of use, gentle looping of hair, without unwantedcombining of locks, breakage or hair abrasion. The Nappy Locs Tool loopshair without pain and produces a smooth strong uniform lock.

[0034] Although the description above contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention butmerely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. For example this device may be cast orcarved out of other materials and metals to comprise one unitwith/without the aid of forming and/or bonding. This device can befashioned in different sizes to accommodate various dreadlock sizes.This device may also be used to attach synthetic braids or dreadlocks tocorn rows.

I claim:
 1. The Nappy Locs Tool comprising: a needle shaft having afirst end and a second end, said first end defining a tail; a bulbproximate said second end, wherein said bulb is defined by oval portionbeginning at end of said tail portion and ending at the beginning ofsaid pinch portion; a pinch portion adjacent to said bulb portion, forretaining sections of hair being defined by an opening reduced in widthrelative to said bulb.
 2. The Nappy Locs Tool according to claim 1,wherein said needle is made of a metallic material.
 3. The Nappy LocsTool according to claim 1, wherein said pinched portion terminal end isround.
 4. The Nappy Locs Tool according to claim 1, wherein said tailportion terminal end is round.